After her transformation and rebirth, she manipulates the innocent and ruthless to overthrow the wor

The emperor clapped his hands and laughed, as if he had suddenly remembered something, his gaze sweeping across the hall.

"I've heard that General Xiao has taken in a new adopted daughter? Where is she? Let me see her quickly."

He Wan rose gracefully, her skirt swaying like a lotus leaf, and performed a perfect curtsy. The candlelight in the hall illuminated the pearls on her earlobes, making them glow with a warm light.

"Truly, she's at the prime of her life."

The emperor narrowed his eyes. “You are so beautiful. I have heard that you were mistreated by your biological parents in your early years and were forced to leave home. You have just as many misfortunes as your sister.”

He Wan lowered her eyes and saw the apricot petals stuck to her embroidered shoes.

"I remember that back in the northwest border, the general was the same. He couldn't bear to see those refugees suffering from hunger and cold, and he would rather take money out of his own pocket to help them."

The emperor stroked his beard and chuckled, but his gaze was meaningful. "General Xiao can't bear to see the people of the country suffer, nor can he bear to see an orphan girl wandering the streets. He is truly kind-hearted and righteous."

Upon hearing this, Xiao Mu's back stiffened slightly. He remembered that winter when heavy snow was falling on the border, and he had indeed taken in many refugees.

But among those people was a woman holding a baby, who was later discovered to be a remnant of the previous dynasty.

"Your Majesty is so complimentary."

Xiao Mu knelt on one knee, his armor clanging crisply. "I am merely doing my bit."

The emperor waved his hand and said, "Guards, bestow upon each of the two young ladies of the Xiao family a pair of South China Sea pearls and a bolt of cloud brocade."

Xiao Ran stood up, the hair ornament in her hair swaying gently. She walked to He Wan's side, her voice clear and crisp:

"Ran'er thanks Your Majesty for your great kindness."

The emperor's gaze shifted between the two men, and he couldn't help but nod.

"Looking at these two women, I am very pleased. They are still young. When they reach marriageable age, I will find them good marriages for the sake of the general."

A chorus of agreement rang out in the hall. Xiao Ran felt Xiao Mu's gaze as if it were piercing her back; she knew what he was worried about.

"Speaking of marriage,"

The emperor suddenly stroked his beard and laughed, "I do have some good news to share."

All eyes were on the throne.

"Where is Shen You, the granddaughter of the Grand Tutor?"

Shen You stood up tremblingly. Xiao Ran noticed that the handkerchief in her hand had been crumpled beyond recognition, and a look of surprise flashed across her face.

"Your subject is here," Shen You replied in a voice barely audible.

"Your father once mentioned you to me. He said you were dignified and graceful, and your conduct was always proper and appropriate."

The emperor's gaze was meaningful. "You've reached marriageable age now. How about I act as matchmaker for you?"

Shen You opened her mouth, but no sound came out.

Shen Quemin quickly stood up: "Your Majesty, I am, after all, a woman, and I am easily embarrassed."

The emperor turned to the empress, who wore a dignified smile as her fingertips gently caressed the gold thread embroidery on her phoenix robe.

"After all, she's the Grand Tutor's granddaughter,"

The Empress's voice was gentle, yet every word carried immense weight: "No matter what, we cannot allow anyone to be wronged."

Her gaze swept over the Crown Prince like water; he sat upright, his face revealing neither joy nor anger.

"Now that the Crown Prince has grown up, he is of marriageable age."

The hall was completely silent; even the ticking of the water clock could be clearly heard.

Xiao Ran felt her nails digging deep into her palms. She knew that behind this marriage lay far more than just romantic love.

The Emperor and Empress intended to bestow a marriage upon the Crown Prince and Shen You.

Xiao Ran caught a glimpse of Shen Zhe's beard trembling slightly out of the corner of her eye. This veteran of three dynasties had always been prudent and never participated in factional struggles.

But now the emperor's intention is to force the Shen family to take sides?